Self-configuring multiple-antenna system

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a multiple-antenna heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a first antenna disposed along a return airflow path from an enclosed space to the multiple-antenna HVAC system, where the multiple-antenna HVAC system supplies conditioned air to the enclosed space. The multiple-antenna HVAC system also includes a second antenna disposed outside the return airflow path. The multiple-antenna HVAC system also includes a controller in communication with the first antenna and the second antenna, where the controller wirelessly communicates via the first antenna and the second antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/865,564, filed on May 4, 2020. U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/865,564 is incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) systems and more particularly, but not by way oflimitation, to systems and methods for self-configuring multiple-antennaHVAC systems.

History of Related Art

HVAC systems are used to regulate environmental conditions within anenclosed space. Typically, HVAC systems have a circulation fan thatpulls air from the enclosed space through ducts and pushes the air backinto the enclosed space through additional ducts after conditioning theair (e.g., heating, cooling, humidifying, or dehumidifying the air).More recently, HVAC systems are sometimes capable of networkcommunication with other devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a system of one or more computers can be configuredto perform particular operations or actions by virtue of havingsoftware, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installed on thesystem that in operation causes or cause the system to perform theactions. One or more computer programs can be configured to performparticular operations or actions by virtue of including instructionsthat, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus toperform the actions.

In an embodiment, one general aspect includes a method ofself-configuring a multiple-antenna system. The method includessearching, via a first antenna of the multiple-antenna system, fornon-mesh connection points to a wireless network may include a meshnet.The method also includes, responsive to the searching for non-meshconnection points, determining whether a non-mesh connection point, insatisfaction of non-mesh signal criteria, has been identified. Themethod also includes, responsive to a determination that no non-meshconnection point, in satisfaction of non-mesh signal criteria, has beenidentified, searching, via a second antenna, for mesh connection pointsto the wireless network over the meshnet. The method also includes,responsive to the searching for mesh connection points, determiningwhether a mesh connection point, in satisfaction of mesh signalcriteria, has been identified. The method also includes, responsive to adetermination that a mesh connection point, in satisfaction of meshsignal criteria, has been identified, connecting to the wireless networkusing the mesh connection point and the second antenna. Otherembodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems,apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computerstorage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

In an embodiment, another general aspect includes a multiple-antennaheating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Themultiple-antenna HVAC system includes a first antenna disposed along areturn airflow path from an enclosed space to the multiple-antenna HVACsystem, where the multiple-antenna HVAC system supplies conditioned airto the enclosed space. The multiple-antenna HVAC system also includes asecond antenna disposed outside the return airflow path. Themultiple-antenna HVAC system also includes a controller in communicationwith the first antenna and the second antenna, where the controllerwirelessly communicates via the first antenna and the second antenna.Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems,apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computerstorage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

In an embodiment, another general aspect includes a multiple-antennasystem. The multiple—antenna system includes a first antenna disposedalong a return airflow path from an enclosed space in a building to anexterior of the building. The multiple-antenna system also includes asecond antenna disposed outside the return airflow path. Themultiple-antenna system also includes a controller in communication withthe first antenna and the second antenna, where the controllerwirelessly communicates via the first antenna and the second antenna.Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems,apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computerstorage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the presentdisclosure may be obtained by reference to the following DetailedDescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example HVAC deployment for a building;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example antenna configuration for an HVAC system;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example placement of an antenna along a returnairflow path; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a process for self-configuring amultiple-antenna HVAC system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)system 100 a. In a typical embodiment, the HVAC system 100 a is anetworked HVAC system configured to condition air via, for example,heating, cooling, humidifying, or dehumidifying. For illustration, theHVAC system 100 a as illustrated in FIG. 1 includes various components;however, in other embodiments, the HVAC system 100 a may includeadditional components that are not illustrated but typically includedwithin HVAC systems. The HVAC system 100 a can be a residential systemor a commercial system such as, for example, a roof top system.

The HVAC system 100 a includes a variable-speed circulation fan 102 a, agas heat 104 a, electric heat 106 a typically associated with thevariable-speed circulation fan 102 a, and a refrigerant evaporator coil108 a, also typically associated with the variable-speed circulation fan102 a. For illustrative purposes, only variable-speed circulation fan102 a is disclosed; however, in other embodiments, fixed speed andmulti-speed circulation fans may be used as required. The variable-speedcirculation fan 102 a, the gas heat 104 a, the electric heat 106 a, andthe refrigerant evaporator coil 108 a are collectively referred to as an“indoor unit” 110 a. In a typical embodiment, the indoor unit 110 a islocated within, or in close proximity to, an enclosed space 101 a. TheHVAC system 100 a also includes a variable-speed compressor 112 a, anassociated condenser coil 114 a, and a condenser fan 113 a, which aretypically referred to as an “outdoor unit” 116 a. In a typicalembodiment, the condenser fan 113 a may be at least one of a fixed-speedcondenser fan, a multi-speed condenser fan, and a variable-speedcondenser fan. In various embodiments, the outdoor unit 116 a is, forexample, a rooftop unit or a ground-level unit. The variable-speedcompressor 112 a and the associated condenser coil 114 a are connectedto an associated evaporator coil 108 a by a refrigerant line 118. In atypical embodiment, the variable-speed compressor 112 a is, for example,a single-stage compressor, a multi-stage compressor, a single-speedcompressor, or a variable-speed compressor. The variable-speedcirculation fan 102 a, sometimes referred to as an air blower, isconfigured to operate at different capacities (i.e., variable motorspeeds) to circulate air through the HVAC system 100 a, whereby thecirculated air is conditioned and supplied to the enclosed space 101 a.For illustrative purposes, only variable-speed compressor 112 a isdisclosed; however, in other embodiments, fixed speed and multi-stagecompressors may be used as required.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the HVAC system 100 a includesantennas 136 a and an antenna switch 138 a so as to facilitateconfigurable wireless communication. In various embodiments, theantennas 136 a enable communication according to various wirelessstandards such as, for example, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, variations orextensions of the foregoing, combinations of the foregoing, and/or thelike. In various embodiments, the antennas 136 a can be positioned invarious locations throughout the HVAC system 100 a and/or in ductworkfor the same. In some cases, the individual positions of the antennas136 a can advantageously facilitate communication with wireless networksof particular types and/or wireless networks in particular locations.

As described in greater detail relative to FIG. 3, in variousembodiments, the antenna switch 138 a enables a controller 320(described below) to accommodate a greater number of transmit/receiveantennas, such as multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antennas. Insuch scenarios, the antenna switch 138 a is controllable to select, atleast in part, which antenna or antennas of the antennas 136 a are inuse at a given time. In some embodiments, such as when the HVACcontroller 120 a directly supports a desired number of the antennas 136a in the desired fashion, the antenna switch 138 a can be omitted.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the HVAC system 100 a includes an HVACcontroller 120 a that is configured to control operation of the variouscomponents of the HVAC system 100 a such as, for example, thevariable-speed circulation fan 102 a, the gas heat 104 a, the electricheat 106 a, the variable-speed compressor 112 a, and the condenser fan113 a. In some embodiments, the HVAC system 100 a can be a zoned system.In such embodiments, the HVAC system 100 a includes a zone controller122 a, dampers 124 a, and a plurality of environment sensors 126 a. In atypical embodiment, the HVAC controller 120 a cooperates with the zonecontroller 122 a and the dampers 124 a to regulate the environment ofthe enclosed space 101 a.

The HVAC controller 120 a may be an integrated controller or adistributed controller that directs operation of the HVAC system 100 a.In a typical embodiment, the HVAC controller 120 a includes an interfaceto receive, for example, thermostat calls, component health data,temperature setpoints, air blower control signals, environmentalconditions, and operating mode status for various zones of the HVACsystem 100 a. In a typical embodiment, the HVAC controller 120 a alsoincludes a processor and a memory to direct operation of the HVAC system100 a including, for example, a speed of the variable-speed circulationfan 102 a.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the plurality ofenvironment sensors 126 a are associated with the HVAC controller 120 aand also optionally associated with a user interface 128 a. In someembodiments, the user interface 128 a provides additional functions suchas, for example, operational, diagnostic, status message display, and avisual interface that allows at least one of an installer, a user, asupport entity, and a service provider to perform actions with respectto the HVAC system 100 a. In some embodiments, the user interface 128 ais, for example, a thermostat of the HVAC system 100 a. In otherembodiments, the user interface 128 a is associated with at least onesensor of the plurality of environment sensors 126 a to determine theenvironmental condition information and communicate that information tothe user. The user interface 128 a may also include a display, buttons,a microphone, a speaker, or other components to communicate with theuser. Additionally, the user interface 128 a may include a processor andmemory that is configured to receive user-determined parameters, andcalculate operational parameters of the HVAC system 100 a as disclosedherein.

In a typical embodiment, the HVAC system 100 a is configured tocommunicate with a plurality of devices such as, for example, amonitoring device 130, communication devices 132, other HVAC systems 140a, and the like. In a typical embodiment, the monitoring device 130 isnot part of the HVAC system 100 a. For example, the monitoring device130 is a server or computer of a third party such as, for example, amanufacturer, a support entity, a service provider, and the like. Inother embodiments, the monitoring device 130 is located at an office of,for example, the manufacturer, the support entity, the service provider,and the like.

In certain embodiment, the other HVAC systems 140 a can operate asgenerally described relative to the HVAC system 100 a. In various cases,the HVAC system 100 a can communicate with the other HVAC systems 140 ausing one or more of the antennas 136 a. In some embodiments, the HVACsystem 100 a and the other HVAC systems 140 a can form, and communicatevia, a mesh network (hereinafter, “meshnet”). Operability of the HVACsystem 100 a and the other HVAC systems 140 a to intercommunicate willbe described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 2-5.

In a typical embodiment, the communication devices 132 are non-HVACdevices having a primary function that is not associated with HVACsystems. In some embodiments, non-HVAC devices include mobile-computingdevices that are configured to interact with the HVAC system 100 a tomonitor and modify at least some of the operating parameters of the HVACsystem 100 a. Mobile computing devices may be, for example, a personalcomputer (e.g., desktop or laptop), a tablet computer, a mobile device(e.g., smart phone), and the like. In other embodiments, non-HVACdevices include devices that are configured to interact with the HVACsystem 100 a such that their operation can be controlled by the HVACsystem 100 a. According to exemplary embodiments, the non-HVAC devicesmay be devices whose operation can be controlled via the controller 120a of the HVAC system 100 a such as, for example, ceiling fans 132 a, 132b, 132 c, exhaust fans 132 d, 132 e, 132 f, smoke detectors 132 g, 132h, and the like. In a typical embodiment, the communications devices 132such as, for example, the ceiling fans 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, the exhaustfans 132 d, 132 e, 132 f, and the smoke detectors 132 g, 132 h areconfigured to communicate with the HVAC controller 120 a. In someembodiments, the data bus 134 a may couple the HVAC controller 120 a tothe communication devices 132. For example, a wireless connection isemployed to provide at least some of the connections between the HVACcontroller 120 a and the communication devices 132. In a typicalembodiment, the communication devices 132 include at least oneprocessor, memory and a user interface, such as a display. One skilledin the art will also understand that the communication devices 132disclosed herein include other components that are typically included insuch devices including, for example, a power supply, a communicationsinterface, and the like.

The zone controller 122 a is configured to manage movement ofconditioned air to designated zones of the enclosed space. Each of thedesignated zones include at least one conditioning or demand unit suchas, for example, the gas heat 104 a and at least one user interface 128a such as, for example, the thermostat. The zone-controlled HVAC system100 a allows the user to independently control the temperature in thedesignated zones. In a typical embodiment, the zone controller 122 aoperates electronic dampers 124 a to control air flow to the zones ofthe enclosed space.

In some embodiments, a data bus 134 a, which in the illustratedembodiment is a serial bus, couples various components of the HVACsystem 100 a together such that data is communicated therebetween. In atypical embodiment, the data bus 134 a may include, for example, anycombination of hardware, software embedded in a computer readablemedium, or encoded logic incorporated in hardware or otherwise stored(e.g., firmware) to couple components of the HVAC system 100 a to eachother. As an example and not by way of limitation, the data bus 134 amay include an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, aController Area Network (CAN) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), aHYPERTRANSPORT (HT) interconnect, an INFINIBAND interconnect, alow-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro Channel Architecture(MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express(PCI-X) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) bus, a VideoElectronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, or any other suitablebus or a combination of two or more of these. In various embodiments,the data bus 134 a may include any number, type, or configuration ofdata buses 134 a, where appropriate. In particular embodiments, one ormore data buses 134 a (which may each include an address bus and a databus) may couple the HVAC controller 120 a to other components of theHVAC system 100 a. In other embodiments, connections between variouscomponents of the HVAC system 100 a are wired. For example, conventionalcable and contacts may be used to couple the HVAC controller 120 a tothe various components. In some embodiments, a wireless connection isemployed to provide at least some of the connections between componentsof the HVAC system 100 a such as, for example, a connection between theHVAC controller 120 a and the variable-speed circulation fan 102 a orthe plurality of environment sensors 126 a.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example HVAC deployment for a building 250 thatutilizes a wireless network 242. The wireless network 242 includes ameshnet 244 and a wireless backbone 245 that are separated from eachother by a physical barrier 248. The meshnet 244 includes HVAC systems200 a, 200 b, and 200 c (collectively, HVAC systems 200), each of whichcan operate as described with respect to the HVAC system 100 a of FIG.1, for example, so as to supply conditioned air to an enclosed space 201or a portion thereof. The wireless backbone 245 includes wirelessnetworking devices 246 a and 246 b (collectively, wireless networkingdevices 246) that are situated within the enclosed space 201.

In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC systems 200 are rooftop orpackage units, in which case the physical barrier 248 can include a roofand/or other intervening building materials and spaces that separate theHVAC systems 200 from the enclosed space 201. Although a rooftopdeployment of the HVAC systems 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2, it shouldbe appreciated that other types of deployments are also contemplatedwithout deviating from the principles described herein. For example, insome embodiments, the HVAC systems 200 can be located at ground leveloutside the building 250. In these embodiments, the physical barrier 248can include an exterior wall of the building 250 and/or otherintervening building materials and spaces that separate the HVAC systems200 from the enclosed space 201. Other examples will be apparent to oneskilled in the art after reviewing the present disclosure. Although manytypes of deployments are contemplated by the present disclosure, forillustrative purposes, examples will be described herein relative torooftop deployment.

In general, the wireless networking devices 246 provide direct access tothe wireless backbone 245, with each of the wireless networking devices246 centrally managing its own connections thereto. In variousembodiments, the wireless backbone 245 provides access to one or more ofa wired network, a proprietary corporate network and/or variousinfrastructure services such as, for example, the Internet or portionsthereof. In certain embodiments, the wireless networking devices 246 ofthe wireless backbone 245 can be, for example, wireless access points,switches, hubs, a repeater or extender of the foregoing, combinations ofthe foregoing and/or the like, with the terminology varying incorrespondence to particular wireless standards and protocols.

In certain embodiments, the physical barrier 248 and/or a physicaldistance from the wireless networking devices 246 may impede an abilityof some or all of the HVAC systems 200 to connect to the wirelessbackbone 245. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the HVAC systems200 can form a mesh topology in which one or more of the HVAC systems200 connect directly to the wireless backbone 245, while one or moreothers of the HVAC systems 200 connect directly, dynamically andnon-hierarchically to each other and cooperate with one another toefficiently route data to and from the wireless backbone 245. In someembodiments, the meshnet 244 can comply with a wireless protocol such asIEEE 802.11s or a customization or extension thereof.

For clarity, connections involving one or more of the HVAC systems 200will be described in terms of a parent-child relationship. In such aconnection, the node that is closer to the wireless backbone 245, asmeasured by a number of connections between it and the wireless backbone245, will be referred to as a “parent node.” The other node in such aconnection will be referred to as a “child node.” The parent node in theconnection serves as the child node's link to the wireless backbone 245for incoming and outgoing data. In various cases, the parent node may beone of the wireless networking devices 246 or another of the HVACsystems 200.

For ease of reference, the wireless networking devices 246 and the HVACsystems 200 will be periodically referred to herein as “non-meshconnection points” and “mesh connection points,” respectively.Similarly, any of the HVAC systems 200 that connects directly to anon-mesh connection point, such as any of the wireless networkingdevices 246, will be referred to herein as a “root node” in the meshnet244. Root nodes in the meshnet 244 may be referred to as having a“non-mesh parent,” while all other nodes in the meshnet 244 may bereferred to as having a “mesh parent.” In various embodiments, there canbe more than one root node in the meshnet 244. In some embodiments, allnodes in the meshnet 244 can be root nodes.

In certain embodiments, the HVAC systems 200 can each independently andperiodically execute a self-configuration process that causes it toconnect to, and thus have as its parent node, either one of the wirelessnetworking devices 246 or another of the HVAC systems 200. It should beappreciated that the HVAC systems 200 are child nodes in suchconnections. In a typical embodiment, the HVAC systems 200, onceconnected to a parent node, make themselves available to serve as parentnodes to additional HVAC systems seeking to join the meshnet 244. TheHVAC systems 200 can increase or decrease in number as HVAC systems joinor leave the meshnet 244. The self-configuration process can repeated,for example, at configurable intervals (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly,etc.), upon configurable trigger events such as, for example, connectionloss or poor connection quality (e.g., as measured by one or moreparameters such as received signal strength indicator(s), throughputmeasurement(s), and/or packet loss), and/or responsive to a manualtrigger by a user or administrator. Advantageously, in variousembodiments, when the self-configuration process is independently andperiodically executed by many HVAC systems such as the HVAC systems 200,it can cumulatively create, configure and/or reconfigure the meshnet 244without user or administrator intervention. An example of theself-configuration process will be described in greater detail relativeto FIG. 5.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example antenna configuration for an HVAC system300 that is deployed in relation to the building 250 of FIG. 2. Forpurposes of the example of FIG. 3, the HVAC system 300 may be consideredone of the HVAC systems 200 of FIG. 2. In that way, an enclosed space301 and a physical barrier 348 may be a portion or subset of theenclosed space 201 and the physical barrier 248, respectively, of FIG.2. The HVAC system 300 is shown to include antennas 336 a, 336 b and 336c (collectively, antennas 336), an antenna switch 338 and a controller320.

In the illustrated embodiment, the antennas 336 a and 336 b are disposedoutside of (or external to) the enclosed space 301 and within the HVACsystem 300, for example, near, at, or on a top of the HVAC system 300.The antenna 336 c is disposed in or along a return airflow path 352 tothe HVAC system 300. In various embodiments, the antenna 336 c can bepositioned (e.g., centered) in a return air opening of the HVAC system300, for example, so as to enable factory installation. In some of theseembodiments, the antenna 336 c can be field-installed. In otherembodiments, the antenna 336 c can be field-installed in a return airduct for the return airflow path 352.

In certain embodiments, the position of the antenna 336 c in or alongthe return airflow path 352 renders the antenna 336 c more suitable foruse in wirelessly communicating with devices on an interior or oppositeside of the physical barrier 348, such as the wireless networkingdevices 246 of FIG. 2. In these embodiments, an existing open paththrough the physical barrier 348, in the form of the return airflow path352, can be leveraged to improve signal strength and quality and toenable wireless communication that otherwise may not have been feasible.Although the antenna 336 c is shown within the return airflow path 352for illustrative purposes, in some embodiments, it is contemplated thatthe antenna 336 c could instead be similarly placed in a supply airflowpath 354.

In certain embodiments, the antennas 336 can each be a MIMO radioantenna that facilitates connections with other nodes in correspondenceto its position or location within the HVAC system 300. In an example,the antennas 336 a and 336 b, as a result of being located external tothe enclosed space 301 and within the HVAC system 300, may be favorablypositioned for wireless communication with other HVAC systems such asthe HVAC systems 200 of FIG. 2. In another example, the antenna 336 c,as a result of being located in or along the return airflow path 352,may be favorably positioned for wireless communication with networkingdevices that may be situated in the enclosed space 301 such as, forexample, the wireless networking devices 246 of FIG. 2.

In various embodiments, the antennas 336 can facilitate parent-nodecommunication and child-node communication. Parent-node communicationcan include, for example, wireless communication to discover, establish,or use a connection with a parent node. Child-node communication caninclude, for example, wireless communication that allows other systemsto discover, establish, or use a connection therewith as a child node.In the example of FIG. 3, parent-node communication is delegated to theantenna 336 a and the antenna 336 c, while child-node communication isdelegated to the antenna 336 b. It should be appreciated that theforegoing is provided only as an illustrative example, and thatcommunication can be handled differently to suit a given implementation.

In the example of FIG. 3, the controller 320 is a 2×2 MIMO device so asto accommodate two MIMO antennas. According to this example, the antennaswitch 338 can enable accommodation, for example, of three MIMOantennas. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the antenna 336 a and theantenna 336 c are coupled to the antenna switch 338, which is in turncoupled to the controller 320. In various embodiments, the antennaswitch 338 can be a radio frequency (RF) switch such as, for example, aPIN diode-based switch or a mechanical switch. More generally, theantenna switch 338 can be any kind of switch that is controllable by thecontroller 320 to select between the antenna 336 a and the antenna 336c. As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna 336 b is directly coupled to thecontroller 320 and thus need not be selected, for example, forchild-node communication.

In certain embodiments, the controller 320 can control the antennaswitch 338 to select the antenna 336 a or the antenna 336 c forparent-node communication. Antenna selection by the controller 320 canleverage respective positions of the antenna 336 a and the 336 c. In atypical embodiment, since the antenna 336 a has a generally morefavorable position relative to the HVAC systems 200 than the antenna 336c, the antenna 336 a is selected for parent-node communication with meshconnection points. In similar fashion, since the antenna 336 c has agenerally more favorable position relative to the wireless networkingdevices 246 than the antenna 336 a, the antenna 336 c is selected forparent-node communication with non-mesh connection points. In variousembodiments, antenna selection can be performed by the controller 320during a self-configuration process. An example of theself-configuration process will be described relative to FIG. 5.

The antenna switch 338 can be omitted in many implementations. Forexample, in implementations in which the controller 320 is a 3×3 MIMOdevice, the antenna switch 338 may be omitted. More generally, if thecontroller 320 directly supports a desired number of the antennas 336 inthe desired fashion, the antenna switch 338 can be omitted. By way offurther example, in some implementations, the functionality of theantenna switch 338 can be subsumed within the controller 320 andlikewise be omitted.

In similar fashion, it should be appreciated that the three antennasshown in FIG. 3 and described above are merely illustrative in nature.In various embodiments, the antennas 336 can include any number ofantennas to suit a given implementation. For example, the antenna 336 a,the antenna 336 b and the antenna 336 c can each be representative of agroup of antennas that are similarly positioned and perform the examplefunctions described above. According to this example, the antenna switch338 can be correspondingly configured to switch between the respectivegroups of antennas corresponding to the antenna 336 a and the antenna336 c. Other examples and variations will be apparent to one skilled inthe art after reviewing the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example placement of an antenna 436 in or along areturn airflow path 452. In general, the antenna 436 can be consideredan example of the antenna 336 c of FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 4, areflective vent 454 is positioned in the return airflow path 452. Theantenna 436 is secured to a return side of the reflective vent 454 viaan antenna mount 456.

Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the reflective vent 454 canbehave as a “feed horn” to reflect RF signals into the return airflowpath 452 and into an enclosed space such as the enclosed space 201 ofFIG. 2. In various embodiments, the reflective vent 454 can take theform of a metal grating or the like with openings large enough to allowreturn airflow but small enough to reflect RF, for example, at 2.4gigahertz. In certain embodiments, a length (or diameter, as the casemay be) of openings in the reflective vent 454 can be, for example, lessthan or equal to a tenth of an applicable wavelength (e.g., 1.25centimeters for 2.4 gigahertz) so as to optimize signal reflection.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a process 500 for self-configuring amultiple-antenna HVAC system. In various embodiments, the process 500can be independently and periodically executed by each HVAC system inuse at a given building such as the building 250 of FIGS. 2-3. Forexample, in various embodiments, the process 500 can be independentlyand periodically executed by each of the HVAC systems 200 or a componentthereof. Although any number of systems or components can execute theprocess 500, for simplicity of description, the process 500 will bedescribed relative the building 250 of FIGS. 2-3, with particular focuson the HVAC system 300 of FIG. 3.

At block 502, the controller 320 of the HVAC system 300 controls theantenna switch 338 to select the antenna 336 c for parent-nodecommunication. In embodiments not using an antenna switch such as theantenna switch 338, the block 502 can be omitted. At block 504, thecontroller 320 searches for non-mesh connection points to the wirelessnetwork 242. In certain embodiments, the block 504 can involve thecontroller 320 using the antenna 336 c to search for wireless networkingdevices, such as the wireless networking devices 246, which satisfyspecified non-mesh signal criteria. In some embodiments, the controller320 can apply a timeout period at the block 504 (e.g., defined in termsof seconds or minutes).

In general, the non-mesh signal criteria used at the block 504 can bespecified in memory within or accessible to the controller 320 or theHVAC system 300, hardcoded into programming executed by the controller320, and/or otherwise provided or communicated to the controller 320.The non-mesh signal criteria can include, for example, one or morethresholds specified in terms of any parameter or combination ofparameters that are indicative of connection quality. Example parametersinclude, without limitation, received signal strength indicator(s),throughput measurement(s), and packet loss measurement(s) such as frameloss rate.

At decision block 506, the controller 320 determines whether a non-meshconnection point, in satisfaction of the non-mesh signal criteria, hasbeen identified. In various embodiments, more than one non-meshconnection point may satisfy the non-mesh signal criteria. In suchcases, the identified non-mesh connection point can be a non-meshconnection point deemed best, for example, in terms of any givenparameter or combination of parameters such as received signal strengthindicator(s), throughput measurement(s), and/or packet lossmeasurement(s) such as frame loss rate. If it is determined, at thedecision block 506, that a non-mesh connection point, in satisfaction ofthe non-mesh signal criteria, has been identified, the process 500proceeds to block 508. At block 508, the controller 320 connects to thewireless network 242 using the antenna 336 c and the non-mesh connectionpoint, with the non-mesh connection point thereby becoming the parentnode of the HVAC system 300. From block 508, the process 500 proceeds toblock 518 (described further below).

If it is determined, at the decision block 506, that no non-meshconnection point, in satisfaction of the non-mesh signal criteria, hasbeen identified, the process 500 proceeds to block 510. At block 510,the controller 320 controls the antenna switch 338 to select the antenna336 a for parent-node communication. In embodiments not using an antennaswitch such as the antenna switch 338, the block 510 can be omitted. Atblock 512, the controller 320 searches for mesh connection points to thewireless network 242. In certain embodiments, the block 504 can involvethe controller 320 using the antenna 336 a to search for HVAC systems,such as the HVAC systems 200, which satisfy specified mesh signalcriteria. In some embodiments, the controller 320 can apply a timeoutperiod at the block 512 (e.g., defined in terms of seconds or minutes).

In general, the mesh signal criteria used at the block 512 can bespecified in memory within or accessible to the controller 320 or theHVAC system 300, hardcoded into programming executed by the controller320, and/or otherwise provided or communicated to the controller 320.The mesh signal criteria can include, for example, one or morethresholds specified in terms of any parameter or combination ofparameters that are indicative of connection quality. Example parametersinclude, without limitation, received signal strength indicator(s),throughput measurement(s), and packet loss measurement(s) such as frameloss rate. The mesh signal criteria can be the same as, or differentfrom, the non-mesh signal criteria.

At decision block 514, the controller 320 determines whether a meshconnection point, in satisfaction of the mesh signal criteria, has beenidentified. In various embodiments, more than one mesh connection pointmay satisfy the mesh signal criteria. In such cases, the identified meshconnection point can be a mesh connection point deemed best, forexample, in terms of any given parameter or combination of parameterssuch as received signal strength indicator(s), throughputmeasurement(s), and/or packet loss measurement(s) such as frame lossrate. If it is determined, at the decision block 514, that no meshconnection point, in satisfaction of the mesh signal criteria, has beenidentified, the process 500 ends without any connection having beenestablished. In various embodiments, the process 500 can be repeated bythe controller 320 after a configurable interval such as, for example, adefined number of seconds or minutes. Otherwise, if it is determined, atthe decision block 514, that a mesh connection point, in satisfaction ofthe mesh signal criteria, has been identified, the process 500 proceedsto block 516. At block 516, the controller 320 connects to the wirelessnetwork 242 using the antenna 336 a and the mesh connection point, withthe mesh connection point thereby becoming the parent node of the HVACsystem 300.

At block 518, the controller 320 uses the antenna 336 b for child-nodecommunication, for example, so as to make itself available as a parentnode to other HVAC systems similar to the HVAC systems 200. In variousembodiments, the controller 320 can establish or allow connections tosuch HVAC systems which execute a process similar to the process 500 ofFIG. 5. After block 518, the process 500 ends.

In certain embodiments, when the process 500 is independently andperiodically executed by multiple HVAC systems in the fashion describedabove, a meshnet similar to the meshnet 244 can be progressively createdand reconfigured. In various embodiments, the process 500 as describedabove prioritizes non-mesh connection points over mesh connectionpoints. In various embodiments, the process 500 could be modified toreflect different priorities, for example, by first searching for meshconnections points. In addition, or alternatively, the process 500 canbe modified to connect to whichever mesh or non-mesh connection point isdeemed best, for example, in terms of any given parameter or combinationof parameters such as received signal strength indicator(s), throughputmeasurement(s), and/or packet loss measurement(s) such as frame lossrate, subject to there being at least one root node. Other variationsand modifications will be apparent to one skilled in the art afterreviewing the present disclosure.

Although various examples of a multiple-antenna HVAC system aredescribed above, it should be appreciated that these examples are merelyillustrative. In various embodiments, the principles of the presentdisclosure are similarly applicable to other systems and components thatmay be situated outside, or external to, an enclosed space in abuilding, such as the building 250 of FIG. 2, and that connect to awireless network similar to the wireless network 242 of FIG. 2. Forexample, exterior systems such as lighting systems, security-systemcomponents, sensors or any other component or systems, whether fixed ormobile, may benefit from an ability to control and communicate with anantenna in a return airflow path from the enclosed space to a buildingexterior (e.g, to an HVAC system on a roof of the building). Forexample, these systems can connect to a non-mesh connection point in theenclosed space. Such systems can exist together, or instead of, an HVACsystem such as the example HVAC systems described in the foregoing. Insimilar fashion to the HVAC systems described above relative to FIGS.1-5, such systems can be multiple-antenna systems configured in ameshnet. In various embodiments, such systems can include likecomponents or a hybrid of component types (e.g., including HVAC systems)that conform in communication protocol, for example, for purposes ofestablishing, configuring and re-configuring the meshnet.

In addition, or alternatively, in some embodiments, a microwave link canbe installed or provided, for example, on top of a building, andconnected or linked to such an antenna in the return airflow path. Inthese embodiments, the microwave link in combination with the antenna inthe return airflow path can provide an advantageous connection point toa wireless network similar to the wireless network 242 of FIG. 2 withoutrequiring additional physical penetration, for example, of a roof. Otherexamples will be apparent to one skilled in the art after a detailedreview of the present disclosure.

Herein, reference to a computer-readable storage medium encompasses oneor more tangible computer-readable storage media possessing structures.As an example, and not by way of limitation, a computer-readable storagemedium may include a semiconductor-based or other integrated circuit(IC) (such, as for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or anapplication-specific IC (ASIC)), a hard disk, an HDD, a hybrid harddrive (HHD), an optical disc, an optical disc drive (ODD), amagneto-optical disc, a magneto-optical drive, a floppy disk, a floppydisk drive (FDD), magnetic tape, a holographic storage medium, asolid-state drive (SSD), a RAM-drive, a SECURE DIGITAL card, a SECUREDIGITAL drive, a flash memory card, a flash memory drive, or any othersuitable tangible computer-readable storage medium or a combination oftwo or more of these, where appropriate.

Particular embodiments may include one or more computer-readable storagemedia implementing any suitable storage. In particular embodiments, acomputer-readable storage medium implements one or more portions of aprocessor (such as, for example, one or more internal registers orcaches), one or more portions of memory, one or more portions ofstorage, or a combination of these, where appropriate. In particularembodiments, a computer-readable storage medium implements RAM or ROM.In particular embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium implementsvolatile or persistent memory. In particular embodiments, one or morecomputer-readable storage media embody encoded software.

Herein, reference to encoded software may encompass one or moreapplications, bytecode, one or more computer programs, one or moreexecutables, one or more instructions, logic, machine code, one or morescripts, or source code, and vice versa, where appropriate, that havebeen stored or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium. Inparticular embodiments, encoded software includes one or moreapplication programming interfaces (APIs) stored or encoded in acomputer-readable storage medium. Particular embodiments may use anysuitable encoded software written or otherwise expressed in any suitableprogramming language or combination of programming languages stored orencoded in any suitable type or number of computer-readable storagemedia. In particular embodiments, encoded software may be expressed assource code or object code. In particular embodiments, encoded softwareis expressed in a higher-level programming language, such as, forexample, C, Perl, or a suitable extension thereof. In particularembodiments, encoded software is expressed in a lower-level programminglanguage, such as assembly language (or machine code). In particularembodiments, encoded software is expressed in JAVA. In particularembodiments, encoded software is expressed in Hyper Text Markup Language(HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), or other suitable markuplanguage. The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclosure hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise formdisclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principalsof the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled inthe art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made inthe design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodimentswithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Suchmodifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as wellas other embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the art uponreference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that theappended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.

Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of anyof the algorithms described herein can be performed in a differentsequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not alldescribed acts or events are necessary for the practice of thealgorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can beperformed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing,interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or onother parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. Although certaincomputer-implemented tasks are described as being performed by aparticular entity, other embodiments are possible in which these tasksare performed by a different entity.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will berecognized, the processes described herein can be embodied within a formthat does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein,as some features can be used or practiced separately from others. Thescope of protection is defined by the appended claims rather than by theforegoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

1. A multiple-antenna heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)system for supplying conditioned air to an enclosed space comprising: afirst antenna disposed centrally in a return air opening of themultiple-antenna HVAC system; a second antenna disposed external to theenclosed space; a controller in wireless communication with the firstantenna and the second antenna; an antenna switch positioned external tothe enclosed space; and wherein the antenna switch is controllable bythe controller to select between the first antenna and the secondantenna.
 2. The multiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller: wirelessly communicates with a wireless networking device inthe enclosed space via the first antenna; and wirelessly communicateswith another HVAC system outside the enclosed space via the secondantenna.
 3. The multiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 1, comprising: athird antenna disposed external to the enclosed space; and wherein thecontroller wirelessly communicates via the third antenna.
 4. Themultiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 3, wherein the controller, in awireless network comprising a meshnet: wirelessly communicates with itsparent node in the wireless network via at least one of the firstantenna and the second antenna; and wirelessly communicates with a childnode in the meshnet via the third antenna.
 5. The multiple-antenna HVACsystem of claim 1, comprising a reflective vent positioned in a returnairflow path of the return air opening.
 6. The multiple-antenna HVACsystem of claim 5, wherein the first antenna is secured to a return sideof the reflective vent.
 7. The multiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 1,wherein the second antenna is disposed at a top of the multiple-antennaHVAC system.
 8. The multiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 1, wherein thefirst antenna and the second antenna are each a multiple-input andmultiple-output (MIMO) radio antenna.
 9. A multiple-antenna heating,ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for supplyingconditioned air to an enclosed space comprising: a first antennadisposed centrally in a return air opening of the multiple-antenna HVACsystem; a second antenna disposed external to the enclosed space; acontroller in wireless communication with the first antenna and thesecond antenna; and a reflective vent positioned in the return airopening, wherein the reflective vent is configured to reflect radiofrequency (RF) signals into a return airflow path of the return airopening and into the enclosed space.
 10. The multiple-antenna HVACsystem of claim 9, wherein the first antenna is secured to a return sideof the reflective vent.
 11. The multiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 9,wherein the controller: wirelessly communicates with a wirelessnetworking device in the enclosed space via the first antenna; andwirelessly communicates with another HVAC system outside the enclosedspace via the second antenna.
 12. The multiple-antenna HVAC system ofclaim 9, comprising a third antenna coupled to the controller, whereinthe controller wireless communicates via the third antenna.
 13. Themultiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 12, wherein the controller, in awireless network comprising a meshnet: wirelessly communicates with itsparent node in the wireless network via at least one of the firstantenna and the second antenna; and wirelessly communicates with a childnode in the meshnet via the third antenna.
 14. The multiple-antenna HVACsystem of claim 9, comprising: an antenna switch coupled to the firstantenna, the second antenna and the controller; and wherein thecontroller controls selection between the first antenna and the secondantenna via the antenna switch.
 15. The multiple-antenna HVAC system ofclaim 9, wherein the second antenna is disposed at a top of themultiple-antenna HVAC system.
 16. The multiple-antenna HVAC system ofclaim 9, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are each amultiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) radio antenna.
 17. Themultiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 9, wherein the reflective ventcomprises a metal grating.
 18. The multiple-antenna HVAC system of claim9, wherein the reflective vent comprises openings large enough to allowreturn airflow but small enough to reflect RF signals.
 19. Themultiple-antenna HVAC system of claim 9, wherein the openings are lessthan or equal to a tenth of an applicable wavelength.
 20. Amultiple-antenna heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)system for supplying conditioned air to an enclosed space comprising: afirst antenna disposed centrally in a return air opening of themultiple-antenna HVAC system; a second antenna disposed external to theenclosed space; a third antenna disposed external to the enclosed space;a controller in wireless communication with the first antenna, thesecond antenna and the third antenna; wherein the controller isconfigured to: wirelessly communicate with its parent node in a wirelessnetwork via at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna;and wirelessly communicate with a child node in a meshnet via the thirdantenna.